‘Diren’ Contribution to Disaster Response

Bade Ruşen Karadeniz, a student at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Industrial Design, has developed a special device called ‘Diren’ to be used in search-and-rescue operations after disasters. Diren, which can detect life by measuring pulses even meters underground with its sensors and transmit real-time data to rescue teams, has a width and height of 12 centimeters. Diren won first place in the Istanbul Minerals and Metals Exporters' Association (IMMIB) Industrial Design Competition. Karadeniz, who achieved first place in the competition's category of plastic products under the theme of natural disasters and emergencies, also received a prize of 60,000 Turkish Lira and a scholarship for overseas education.

Bade Ruşen Karadeniz, a fourth-year student at IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Industrial Design, completed her project in about five months. Focusing on how to contribute to search-and-rescue efforts in the aftermath of disasters, considering Turkey's location in an earthquake-prone region, Karadeniz made a difference with her project, which she named Diren. Thinking through every detail, Karadeniz also created a prototype of Diren. With the support of Asst. Prof. Dr. Can Özcan, Head of IUE Department of Industrial Design, Associate Professors Onur Mengi and Deniz Deniz, and Lecturer Yavuz Cengiz, she is preparing to patent Diren and shared details about her project.

EASY DETECTION WITH SENSORS

Stating that the recent earthquakes in Turkey had deeply affected her, Karadeniz said, “Diren is an innovative device I developed to increase the chances of survival after disasters and accelerate search-and-rescue operations. The first 72 hours after a disaster are critical for the fast and accurate detection of signs of life. Diren, with its RF sensors, can detect pulses even meters underground. Additionally, it transmits real-time data to rescue teams via its ‘LoRa’ communication module.”

GREEN LIGHT INDICATES SIGNS OF LIFE

Karadeniz Explaining that the device has LED lights, which make its location more visible during nighttime operations, Karadeniz said, “During scanning above the rubble, the red blinking lights turn green when a sign of life is detected. This visual notification quickly directs the attention of rescue teams, enhancing operational efficiency.”

CAN ALSO BE USED AS A POWER SOURCE

Karadeniz mentioned that Diren has micro solar panels on it, enabling it to also function as a power bank. “Diren can collect light from all angles. The 5000 mAh lithium-ion battery not only allows the device to operate for extended periods but also serves as a power bank to support field equipment. In summary, Diren stores energy from the sun and can also be used to charge phones or equipment,” she said.

RESISTANT TO HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS

Karadeniz stated the following: “The device has a stability mechanism that allows it to remain steady and operational under any condition. Its exterior is made of materials such as polycarbonate, aramid fiber, stainless steel, laminated glass, and rubber. This makes the device highly resistant to challenging environmental conditions. Produced using injection molding, precision assembly, and electronic integration techniques, Diren offers a lightweight and portable solution for both local and international disaster management efforts."